Mark may be right man at right time

As I've said earlier, NZ First may not always be my cup of tea but I hope, under Mr Mark, that we see a maturity of operations that reflects a party that is now over 20 years old and has a place.

READERS will probably know that I find the underlying culture of New Zealand First's policies a bit hard to swallow.

Certainly during the election year, I was bailed up by a supporter after two editorials in close succession that were not flattering to leader Winston Peters.

But it is hard not to admire the progression within the NZ First structure, or indeed within New Zealand politics, that our former Carterton mayor Ron Mark has made.

I've always maintained that if you are prepared to never be average in what you do, then most other rewards will naturally follow. And part of being above-average is a belief that certain norms and rules don't apply. Traditional hours of work are sometimes irrelevant.

A concept of life owing you something never surfaces. And fairness and justice doesn't just happen - you make it happen through force of will, work or debate.

NZ First is certainly not in the position of its heady days in 1996 under MMP, and National's majority win in the election last year didn't help, but it's not doing too badly. It may even capitalise on the disaster of the Conservative Party, by gaining favour with the morally traditional and righteous.

In my opinion, I think it is obvious Mr Mark has a mind to lead NZ First, which has long since evolved from simply being a stage show for what has always felt like slightly racist rhetoric from Winston Peters - and perhaps not even slightly, when thinking about his hideous "two wongs don't make a right" utterance. Under Mr Mark, I would like to think NZ First could ease back from waving Chinese language magazines as a sign of what is wrong, or "wong," with the country.

It is sensible we ask questions about immigration, about sale of assets and on matters which could impact on our traditional identity. It is worthy we have a party who will challenge the Government aggressively.

As I've said earlier, NZ First may not always be my cup of tea but I would hope, under Mr Mark, that we see a maturity of operations that reflects a party that is now over 20 years old and has a place. It has been (and probably will continue to be) quite a show under Mr Peters. Can it still appeal in the future without the showmanship?